Event
On May 8, 2014, at approximately 11:55 local time, a Cessna 172 (registration F-HJYO) operated by a private pilot with two passengers was landing on runway 10 at Fayence aerodrome (Var, France). During the landing, the aircraft bounced. On the second contact with the runway, the nose landing gear contacted the surface and broke. The aircraft slid and came to a stop on the runway.
Preceding Flight
The pilot had departed from Aix-les-Milles aerodrome around 11:00, destined for Fayence. Upon sighting the destination, the pilot announced on the self-information frequency and was advised that runway 10 was in use. After overflying the field, the pilot entered the traffic pattern. On final approach, deeming himself too high, the pilot aborted the approach and performed another circuit.
Pilot and Aircraft Information
The pilot had accumulated approximately 560 flight hours, including 15 hours on the Cessna 172 type. In the three months before the accident, he had flown about 10 hours of dual instruction on the Cessna 172 to obtain a checkout. He indicated he had landed at Fayence two or three times previously. The aircraft was configured with flaps at 30°, the maximum setting.
Weather and Approach
Estimated weather conditions at the accident site were calm wind, CAVOK, temperature 21°C, and light turbulence. The pilot stated that the final approach speed was close to 80 knots. The flight manual recommends an approach speed of 60-70 knots with flaps extended. The pilot believed the speed was not excessive as he thought the approach speed was between 70 and 75 knots. The position of the elevator trim at the time of landing could not be determined.
Sequence of Events
After the bounce, the pilot reported that the aircraft adopted a nose-down attitude without any input from him, and he did not have time to apply power before the nose gear contacted the runway. The nose landing gear then failed.
Investigation Findings
The investigation concluded that the accident was due to an inappropriate action on the controls after the bounce. The excessive speed during the final approach, partly due to a lack of knowledge of the aircraft's performance, contributed to the accident.